Hardwick Sugar Shack
572 Jackson Road, Hardwick MA 01037
413.477.0932
My first sugar shack of the season was at Hardwick Sugar Shack in Hardwick, MA. It's a family-run place with everyone helping out. The two kids--ages (and I'm guessing) eleven and sixteen--gave the tours. They were so good it made me embarrassed of my own public-speaking skills! In addition to a guided tour of the operation, and close-up look at the evaporator (boy did it smell good in there!), we got the low-down on the history of the tap. I was surprised to see how far it's come from a simple metal spout.
This sugar shack is also home of a horse and some wild turkeys, which you may be lucky enough to spot on your visit. They are hosting open houses on Sundays this month (11AM-4PM) and I would recommend a visit. If you do stop by, there are a few other great spots to visit in town--stay tuned for more posts this week.
I brought home a large jug of their delicious maple syrup and can't wait to drown some pancakes in it next weekend.
